Many Eligible Americans Missing Out: Learn How to Access Your SNAP Benefits Now

Millions of Americans who could get help buying food aren't asking for it, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

They're trying extra hard to let college students know they might qualify for this help through the country's biggest program for food assistance, known as SNAP.

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but many people know it as food stamps. It's there to help families and individuals who don't have much money to make sure they can buy groceries. 

Every month, they put money on a special card, which you can use in stores that accept it.

The USDA is starting to send emails to college students who don't have much money, telling them they might be able to get SNAP benefits. 

They want to make sure students know how to apply and understand the rules. They're also working with colleges to make it easier for students to get this help.

Right now, there are about 19 million college students in the U.S. And, according to James Kvaal, the U.S. Under Secretary of Education, too many of them don't have enough to eat. 

Nearly one-fourth of them face what's called food insecurity, which means they're not sure where their next meal is coming from. Even though they might qualify for SNAP, they're not getting it.

To get SNAP, college students have to meet certain requirements. They must not have much money to start with, and then they also need to be doing something like working part-time, being in a work-study program, raising children on their own, or managing a disability.

Dig deeper: A Lifeline for Students: A Simplified Guide to SNAP Benefits

Cindy Long from the USDA said they want to make SNAP easier to get for students who don't have much money. Many of these students work jobs and take care of families, so getting help with food means they can worry less about paying for groceries and more about their studies and well-being.

Both the Department of Education and the USDA are working together to make sure students with little money get the support they need so they can finish college without having to go hungry.

As of 2023, SNAP helps about 42 million Americans every month, which is a little over 12% of the country. The government spends a lot on SNAP – $112.8 billion a year – giving each person about $212 on average each month. 

Check out: What Stores Let You Use Food Stamps for Online Grocery Orders?

In some states like Illinois, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, and West Virginia, more than 16% of people get SNAP benefits, with New Mexico having the highest at 23.1%.

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